Multicultural Day

MCD 2022: Critical Conversations

The Next Multicultural Day Celebration will be on campus as well as online. We will be supplying more details in early 2022. Save the event date: April 12, 2022
Both an invitation and a challenge to engage in complex dialogues with others to find ways to promote intersectionality, alliance, and consciousness of the increasingly diverse world in which we live.

Native American Heritage Month

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We acknowledge Moorpark College occupies the unceded traditional land of the Chumash people who have stewarded it throughout generations. As we honor the Chumash people with gratitude, we commit to learning how we may be better stewards of this land we inhabit as well. We seek to build relationships with the Chumash community through academic pursuits, partnerships, historical recognitions and community service as these relationships are foundational for inclusive and equitable education and community engagement.

NAHM AGENDA PDF

MONDAY NOVEMBER 8

4:00 PM ALAN SALAZAR DISCUSSES HIS BOOK, TATA THE TATAVIAM TOWHEE
Alan Salazar is a Chumash and Tataviam elder. He is also a retired juvenile probation ofﬁcer, and Native storyteller. Register Now

MONDAY NOVEMBER 15

3:00-4:30 PM INFANTS TO ELDERS: AMERICAN INDIAN HEALTHCARE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Oliver Murray, Youth & Families Advocate from Indian Health Services and Moorpark College nursing faculty, Michelle Dieterich discuss health and healthcare as it relates to Native Americans today. Register Now

STUDENT ART SUBMISSIONS

Deadline Dec 1

CASH PRIZES

1st place: $300.00 | 2nd place: $200.00 | 3rd place: $100.00

All currently enrolled VCCCD students are invited to submit artwork as part our annual Multicultural Day celebration on April 12, 2022. There are a few categories for submission of student work!

Design a poster (Banner) image

AND Font treatment for “CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS” to be featured on our Multicultural Day webpage, program, and other promotional material. Please check out our archive of past Multicultural Day thematic design winners.

Please submit an electronic copy of the design sized at least 3000 x 1800 pixels to both Tamarra Coleman and Dina Pielaet (tcolemanhill@vcccd.edu and gpielaet@vcccd.edu). Design should include FONT treatment for “Critical Conversations, Multicultural Day 2022”

The file should be submitted as a JPEG, PNG, PDF, AI, or PSD that is 3000 pixels wide by 1800 pixels tall. A working file is preferable. Feel free to also include a square version for social media. Due Date: December 1, 2021

Download PDF here:

Poster Contest Rules and Submission PDF

Submit Your Voice/Work

We want to feature Student work in our virtual space with art and media for MCD 2021.

ESSAYS & POETRY

Word Doc, PDF, Email

SPOKEN WORD

Loud clear audio recording as MP3 audio file sent via Email

PHOTO OR ART

JPEG, PDF

VIDEO

1920 X 1080 horizontal format as MOV or MP4 file

2021 Events

MCD April 13, 2021

8:30-8:55
Opening Ceremony

Tamarra Coleman will deliver opening remarks followed by a video featuring special guests, bagpiper and Chumash prayer.

9:00-10:00
Keynote Speaker
Luis J. Rodríguez

Beloved Author will discuss his work on the page and in the community as a novelist, memoirist, short story writer, children’s book writer, essayist as well as a community & urban peace activist, mentor, healer, youth & arts advocate.

10:15-11:20
4 session choices

5 Americans Honored for Saving Jews During the Holocaust
Yad Vashem is Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. A core goal of Yad Vashem's founders was to recognize non-Jews who, at personal risk and without a financial or evangelistic motive, chose to save Jews from the ongoing genocide during the Holocaust. Those recognized by Israel as Righteous Among the Nations are honored in a section of Yad Vashem known as the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations. Currently Yad Vashem lists 27,362 Righteous Among the Nations from 51 countries – but only 5 are Americans. This presentation discusses those extraordinary Americans. Presenter: David Birchman
Webinar Link
Password: 406692

Graphic Narratives: A Visual Reflection
in the Artform of Fragmentation
Comics began as a form of expression; they grew to include propaganda and almost died with censoring; now, stories are being told that were once sought to be silenced. This session will discuss a brief history of comics, followed by how a medium gives the ability to distance readers from topics enough to prompt reflection rather than immediate reaction, a juxtaposition with justifiable anger. Presenter: Kimberly Lewis
Webinar Link

Climate of Change: Ethnic Studies Classes
In 1968, California college students demanded curriculum that included the experiences and values of people of color. Their activism led to the creation of Ethnic Studies. Now, over fifty years later, the state has required Ethnic Studies for many California graduates. Please join us for a discussion of this new program and hear Cal State students discuss how Ethnic Studies empowered them in the classroom and beyond. Presenter: Patty Colman
Webinar Link

Breaking Down Stigma to Save a Life
QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) looks at the impact stigma has on those struggling with mental health issues. This program also teaches the steps of QPR which are designed to enable an individual to provide “first aid mental health care” to someone who may be considering suicide.
Presenter: Dena Stevens
Webinar Link

11:45-12:50
5 session choices

Comedians with Disabilities (Video)
Professional comedians share humorous stories of times in their lives their disabilities because the topic of the moment. This event was originally facilitated by Silva Arzunyan.

From Instructor to Ally: Embracing Empathy in the Spirit of Equity
We all know that education is a vehicle for transformation, but how can we harness this system to truly work for all of our students? Detailing personal experiences and research into culturally responsive teaching, Dr. Katie Booth (English Department) shares her work to become a ally for her students of color, working in the spirit of equity to support and empower students that have traditionally comprised the most vulnerable populations of learners. Presenter: Katie Booth
Prerecorded Video Link

Creating Cultural Competence: Building Bridges
This dialogue will explore the research and theory behind the importance of developing cultural competence in our roles as campus community members, giving participants useful strategies to implement so that they may be more inclusive in any setting. And it will be fun—so join us!
Presenter: Allison Barton
Webinar Link

Vietnamese Folk Health Practice: Cao Gio
“Cao Gio” or to scratch the wind is an ancient Vietnamese Folk Medicine practice that is still in use today to treat cold and flu. This presentation will introduce you to the history and cultural health beliefs of the Vietnamese. I will demonstrate how to perform Cao Gio follow by a group discussion on alternative health practices. Presenter: Dalila Sankaran
Webinar Link

Hell’s Broken Heart and Tilikum: Two One Acts
These one-act plays are from the Moorpark College Theatre Arts playwriting class that was held at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility in Camarillo, CA. Students who took the course earned college credit, had the opportunity to have their plays chosen to be produced, and continue to work on their certificates, proficiency awards and degrees from Moorpark College. It is Moorpark College Theatre Department's goal, to continue bringing the arts to this underserved community.
Presenter: Rachael Gula
Webinar Link

1:00-2:05
4 session choices

Intergenerational Trauma & Community Healing
Armenian Student Association along with Black Student Association panel members will speak to therapists about the impact of Intergenerational Trauma and how we can work towards healing.
Presenter: Silva Arzuyan
Webinar Link

The Anthropocene:
Are we in a New Human-Dominated Geologic Time Period?
The geologic time scale divides 4.5 billion years of Earth history into manageable units based on significant events in Earth history. Such an event must leave a mark in the geologic record that is visible for hundreds of millions of years. This talk will grapple with whether the changes humanity has wrought will be visible in the distant future, meaning we have entered a new geologic time period: the Anthropocene. Presenter: Roger Putnam
Webinar Link

International Education: Studying Abroad?
Are you thinking about studying abroad? Then we encourage you to join us for an informative discussion. This workshop will consist of a panel of current Moorpark College international students, faculty, and staff. They will talk about why they decided to leave their countries to study in the U.S., their experiences, the struggles they faced, recommendations, and their future goals. We will briefly discuss general "Study Abroad" programs available through higher education.
Presenter: Maria Thayer
Webinar Link

Peace Corps Information Session
Immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and have the experience of a lifetime. Join this discussion to learn about the Volunteer experience and ask questions about service. Applying for the Peace Corps is quite easy. Gain tips to guide you through the application process. Discuss how to be the most competitive applicant. Peace Corps has some perks! Not only do you receive job training, language skills, experience abroad, but you also receive a lifetime of graduate school benefits. Find out more in this discussion session and learn more about the Peace Corps!
Presenter: Dr. Sakeena Ali
Webinar Link

2:15-3:15
MCD FINALE

Equally Divine: The Real Story of the Mona Lisa
The Core Ensemble
A professional music theatre performance with an actor accompanied by an ensemble of cello, piano and percussion. The show explores the possibility that the Mona Lisa was inspired not only by the original female model, but also by a young man, an apprentice and lover of Leonardo da Vinci. This is a cannot miss one-of-a-kind show!

MCD Presents C PAM ZHANG for AAPI Month

May 7, 2021 at Noon

Born in Beijing, C Pam Zhang is mostly an artifact of the United States. She is the author of How Much of These Hills Is Gold, winner of the Academy of Arts and Letters Rosenthal Award and the Asian/Pacific Award for Literature, nominated for the Booker Prize, and on of Barack Obama’s favorite books of the year. Register NOW for this virtual live event.

Courageous Conversation

AAPI Community Campus Dialogue MAy 14, 2021 from 10AM–11AM

Join VCCARA and colleagues of our AAPI community to continue the open dialogue in a safe space where we can share ideas about how we can educate our campus community on the rich, diverse cultures of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Additional Information

Apply NOW

Ranford Hopkins and Cynthia Shelby Barnett Multicultural Day Scholarship

Amount: $1000
We invite ALL students to submit an application, and include an essay on Climate of change and what that means to you. details on the MCScholarship webpage.
Deadline is March 1

Looking For Presenters

Please contact us: TColemanhill@vcccd.edu
if you are interested in being a presenter for our MCD event on April 13, 2021

Past Virtual Events 20/21

Understanding White Supremacy

The first in the Social Justice Lecture Series for the 2020-21 Academic Year, sponsored by the Multicultural Day committee was an amazing experience. Recording will be made available.

Presented on September 29 to a District-wide audience of 200 by Loretta J. Ross, Visiting Associate Professor, Program for the Study of Women and Gender, Smith College 2019-2021

Loretta Rose, African American woman smiles at camera

Ms Ross tackled the issues relative to: White Supremacy a permanent feature of race and gender politics in contemporary U.S. society and How one appropriately responds to its ideology and political power in the Age of Trump. This lecture analyzed the history, prevalence, and current manifestations of the white supremacist movement by examining ideological components, tactics and strategies, and its relationship to mainstream politics.

This Event Occurred on Tuesday September 29, 2020. WATCH THE RECORDED WEBINAR
https://vod.ccctechconnect.org/vo/261722/099926e0b968e2ae1d25fa7cc4f9c87523dd4821

Sun globe in orange and red with large whit LatinX title

LATINX HERITAGE MONTH

September 15–October 15

The Walk of Immigrants

Saul Flores

Occurred on Wednesday, October 14 at 5:30pm.

A highly attended and fantastic virtual presentation (pronounced sah–ool), is a philanthropist, photojournalist, and speaker who is nationally recognized for his social impact projects. Through his most recent project, Saul documents the amazing lives of thousands of Latin American immigrants to fundraise for an elementary school in his mother’s hometown. His work has been featured on National Public Radio, MSNBC, and TEDX. Additionally, Saul has been featured as a keynote speaker for dozens of universities, inspiring audiences through his visual presentations, in which he helps people realize the capacity of their immense human potential given times of extreme adversity.

Saul walked 5,328 miles through ten countries to document how grueling and dangerous the journey of immigrants to the United States can be and to raise money for an elementary school in Atencingo, Mexico. The story of his journey, accompanied by a series of photographs, capture the essence of the people, communities, and cultures he encountered along the way. We hope to see you there!

The Associated Students of Moorpark College and the Latinx Club invite you to experience the recording of this event for the next 30 days:

WATCH RECORDED PRESENTATION NOW

Young hispanic male wearing a hat, Saul Flores, with Walk of the immigrants title

Dr.Martin Alberto Gonzalez- Local Author

Occurred on October 6, 2020. 5:30-7:00pm

Dr. Martín Alberto Gonzalez is regularly invited to K-12 schools and universities/colleges as a motivational speaker, and even has a TEDx talk titled, “Boxnard,” which is available on YouTube. He is an awardee of various prestigious awards, including the Ford Foundation Fellowship and the Most Outstanding Graduating Senior at California State University, Northridge. In addition to sharing his message about the importance of telling stories, specifically counter-stories, Dr. Gonzalez read stories from his social justice-based book, “21 Miles of Scenic Beauty...and Oxnard.” His presentation was described by the many teachers and students present as “inspirational,” “thought-provoking, very engaging,” and “life changing.”

The cover of the key to the city, with lively small art on bright green background

COVID-19 & THE LATINX COMMUNITY

Occurred on October 7, 2020 from 3:00PM – 4:00PM

There is increasing evidence that the Latinx community is being disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Many Joined us for this online webinar as our special guest panelist, GAGAN PAWAR, M.D. Chief Medical Officer of Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc., presented relevant information and insights about the realities of COVID-19 in our communities.

Corona virus in light blue color imposed over vials of blood in a lab for Clinicas Covid talk

Hispanic/Latino/LatinX Identity Labels:

An Examination of Cultural Values and Personal Experiences

Happened on September 22, 2020. Recording will be posted soon.

An open discussion was led by Dr. Thomas Avila Carrasco Professor Department of American Ethnic Studies, Santa Barbara City College, along with Marnie Melendez, Josepha Baca, Maria Thayer and Nicole Bicakci (ASMC) with faculty, staff and students in our Moorpark College Community about the labels used to define us. Discussion included questions like; Are these terms inclusive? Derogatory? Politically motivated? Do they help to unite or divide the Latinx community? What is the history of the labels we use to define us? The event had many participants and we will be posting a recording as soon as it is available.

EVERY VOICE MATTERS!

SUBMIT YOUR STUDENT WORK

We want to feature Student work in our virtual space with art and media for Latinx Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). AND all of our online Virtual Multicultural day activities throughout the year. We are interested in creative digital submissions that reflect the beauty and diversity of Latinx people and culture and social justice. We are also interested in YOUR voice and expression for the virtual site to come!